8 Ways to Make Your Home Bird-Friendly

Birds are one of the prettiest creatures that add beauty to our surroundings. Whether you have pet birds or not, making your home bird-friendly can be beneficial for you in either case. It will help attract wildlife to your yard which is great for your mental health and also assist in controlling pests. The birdies also need space for nesting and require food & water particularly in summers, so by making a few changes; you will be able to accommodate the feathered companions. Here are ten ways you can beautify your house while attracting the winged travelers to your yard:

Add Native Plants

The first step towards creating a habitat for birds is to plan a landscape and plant local species in your yard. Plants with flowers and fruits are an excellent choice for a bird-friendly yard as they act as a source of food and shelter. These plants can also provide nectar for hummingbirds, seeds, and fruits for our feathered companions. To choose the correct kind of plants, you would have to identify the type of soil in your yard and whether the area is shaded or not, and then select the type of plants accordingly. You can ask your neighbors and friends as well to remove invasive weed and plant the native trees and shrubs.

Install Bird-Feeders

The migrating birds require plenty of food in summers to prepare themselves for the winter season. There are various kinds of bird-feeders, each for attracting different species. For instance, if you wish to invite large-sized birds, a hopper feeder would be a suitable option. Other types include tube feeders for middle-sized species, finch feeders to attract finches, etc. You can add seeds to the feeders depending upon the type of species. Since hummingbirds feed on nectar, you would have to install a nectar feeder for them and fill it with juices.

Add Bird Baths

Apart from food, a source of fresh water is equally essential; it can benefit other creatures as well. You can install a birdbath or a fountain in your yard. Choose a bath that is large enough to accommodate a high number of birds. Like feeders, there are different choices available; the most commonly used ones are hanging or aboveground bird-baths. Adding a fountain to the regular bird-bath would be a great idea as birds love the sound of running water.

Install Bird Houses

Some species of birds prefer building their nests in cavities, so birdhouses in the yard can act as a permanent shelter for them. Just like we buy cages according to the size of birds, a birdhouse needs to be chosen considering the type of species you wish to attract. You would then have to select an appropriate design and location to install the house. Adding supplies such as thread, twigs, and sticks for building nests will be a plus.

Choose Bird-Friendly House Plants

Bird-owners have an aesthetic eye and love to surround themselves with beauty. Hence many like to decorate their homes with indoor plants. The problem is that many owners aren’t aware of the fact that some of these can be toxic to their feathered friends. The best practice is to teach your birds to stay away from the houseplants, but choosing bird-friendly plants is an excellent idea to be on the safe side. You can add the Boston fern, Rubber plant, Hibiscus, Peppermint, Chamomile, Magnolia, etc. to your home.

Protect the Trees

Trees play a significant role in providing space for nesting and act as a shelter for birds. Many species create nests in the cavities of dead or decaying trees such as the woodpeckers, parrots, wrens, and the bluebirds. Therefore leaving such trees in your yards will help attract the cavity-nesting species. They also provide shade and assist in cooling the temperature of your yard. If the trees are dead and need to be cut down, then they should be cut at least 15 inches above the ground-level.

Don’t Use Toxic Pesticides

The pesticides available in the market can be toxic to birds, therefore, avoid using these in your garden. Birds can ingest the granules mistaking them for gravel, or it may affect their food making it poisonous. You can use organic pesticides that are safe for birds. You may not need them anyway as birds feed on bugs so they will be naturally protecting your garden.

Don’t Focus on the Perfect Lawn

Birds don’t require a well-kept garden with manicured grass; they would love a rich habitat with plants spread all over and leaves scattered. You can create a cluster of 4 to 5 plant species, add larger shrubs on the edges of the garden and lower ones on the inside. Make sure the plants aren’t too close together, leave appropriate spaces for the birds. You can transform the entire lawn into a bird-friendly landscape by adding shrubs and trees.

Author Byline:

Danica Boyd is a bird enthusiast and nature lover. She has been keeping pet birds for several years and now has tons of practical experience in caring for birds. She writes for the team behind https://www.birdcagesnow.com/.